Reactions of Carboxylic Acids (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular)) : Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Updated on

Reactions of carboxylic acids

  • The carboxylic acids behave like other acids

  • They react with:

    • metals to form a salt and hydrogen

    • carbonates to form a salt, water and carbon dioxide gas

  • The salts formed by the reaction of carboxylic acids all end –anoate

  • So methanoic acid forms a salt called methanoate, ethanoic a salt called ethanoate etc.

  • In the reaction with metals, a metal salt and hydrogen gas are produced

Example reactions of carboxylic acids 

  • The reaction of ethanoic acid with metals such as magnesium forms the salt magnesium ethanoate and hydrogen gas: 

2CH3COOH + Mg → (CH3COO)2Mg + H2

  • In the reaction with carbonates a metal salt, water and carbon dioxide gas are produced

  • For example in reaction with potassium carbonate the salt potassium butanoate is formed by reaction with butanoic acid:

2CH3CH2CH2COOH + K2CO3 → 2CH3CH2CH2COOK + H2O + CO2

Examiner Tips and Tricks

You are not expected to be able to write balanced equations for the reactions of carboxylic acids- they are included here for background information.

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Stewart Hird

Reviewer: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

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